Building in Warwick QLD: Your Custom Home Questions Answered

Resources & FAQ

Building a new home is one of the most exciting journeys you can embark on. It’s also one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and we know you have questions. At Freeman Quality Builders, we believe in complete transparency and making the building process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This page is designed to give you clear, straightforward answers about building with us here in the beautiful Warwick region. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

General Building Process

This section covers who we are, how we work, and what you can expect during the building journey.
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Design & Customisation

This is the fun part! This section covers how we work with you to create a home that is uniquely yours.

Learn More

Costs & Contracts

We believe in being upfront and honest about the costs involved in building your new home.

Learn More

General Building Process

This section covers who we are, how we work, and what you can expect during the building journey.

Are you a licensed builder in Queensland?

Yes, absolutely. We are fully licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Our licence number is 15097967. This ensures that we meet the highest industry standards for quality, safety, and financial stability, giving you complete peace of mind.

How long have you been operating in the Warwick area?

We have been proudly building quality homes for local families in Warwick and the surrounding Southern Downs region since 2018. We are a local business through and through, which means we have long-standing relationships with the best local suppliers and tradespeople, and a deep understanding of the local climate and building conditions.

Do you have an office or a display home in Warwick I can visit?

Because every home we build is a unique, custom design for a specific family and block of land, we don’t operate traditional display homes. Instead, we invite you for a personal consultation at our Warwick office. Here, we can walk you through our portfolio of completed homes, discuss your ideas, and show you the quality materials and finishes we use.

Can I see some of your past projects or client testimonials?

Of course. We are incredibly proud of the homes we build and the relationships we form with our clients. You can view a gallery of our recently completed projects on our website. We are also happy to provide genuine testimonials from past clients who can share their experience building with us.

What is your process for a new custom home build, from start to finish?

 We follow a proven, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
Initial Consultation: We sit down to discuss your vision, block of land, and budget.

Design & Planning: We work with you and our trusted draftsmen to create the perfect design for your family’s lifestyle.

Quoting & Contract: We provide a detailed, fixed-price quote. Once you’re happy, we prepare a plain-English QBCC building contract.

Approvals & Selections: We handle the entire council application process. During this time, you’ll finalise all your interior and exterior selections, from tapware to tiles.

Construction: Our dedicated team gets to work bringing your vision to life, with quality checks at every stage.

Handover: We conduct a final walkthrough with you before handing over the keys to your beautiful new home.

How will you keep me updated on the progress of my build?

Communication is key to a successful build. You will have a primary point of contact throughout the entire process. We provide regular updates via phone and email and schedule regular on-site meetings at key milestones so you can see the progress firsthand and ask any questions you may have.

How long does a typical custom home build take in this region?

While every project is different, a typical custom home in Warwick takes approximately 6-12 months to build, starting from when council approval is granted. The final timeline can be influenced by the size and complexity of the design, site conditions, and any unforeseen weather delays.

Do you assist with getting council approvals and other necessary paperwork?

Yes, we take care of all of it for you. Our service includes preparing and lodging all necessary documentation for council approval, including building and plumbing applications. We manage the entire process, saving you the time and stress of navigating council requirements.

What happens if there are delays due to weather or material supply issues?

While we do everything we can to stick to our schedule, some things like extended rain periods are out of our control. If a delay occurs, we will notify you immediately, explain the situation, and let you know the plan to get back on track as efficiently as possible. This is all handled formally as an extension of time within the building contract.

Design and Customisation

This is the fun part! This section covers how we work with you to create a home that is uniquely yours.
Can I bring my own home design or floor plan?
Absolutely! We are custom home builders, and we love it when clients come to us with their own ideas and plans. We can work with your existing plans or help you develop them further to ensure they are perfect for your block and budget.
Do you help with the design and planning stage?
Yes. If you’re starting with a blank slate, we can guide you through the entire design process. We partner with talented local building designers and draftsmen to help you create a custom home plan from scratch, tailored perfectly to your family’s needs.
Do you specialise in building on challenging sites, like sloping blocks or large acreage?
We certainly do. We have extensive experience building in the diverse landscapes around Warwick, from sloping town blocks to large rural acreage properties. We have the expertise to manage site challenges and design a home that makes the most of your unique piece of land.
What is included in your standard inclusions package?
Our standard inclusions are comprehensive and feature high-quality products from trusted brands. They cover everything from the concrete slab and frame right through to quality appliances and tapware. We provide a detailed list of all inclusions as part of our quoting process so you know exactly what is included in the price.
Can I upgrade fixtures and fittings, like tapware or appliances?
Of course. The beauty of a custom build is that you have complete control. Our standard inclusions are a great starting point, but you are free to upgrade or change any item during the selections process to perfectly match your style and budget.
Do you build energy-efficient or sustainable homes?
Yes, we are passionate about building comfortable and sustainable homes. We can incorporate a wide range of energy-efficient features into your design, such as optimal solar orientation, upgraded insulation, double-glazed windows, and water-saving fixtures, helping you save on energy bills for years to come.

Costs & Contracts

We believe in being upfront and honest about the costs involved in building your new home.
Do you provide a fixed-price contract?

Yes. We provide a comprehensive, fixed-price QBCC building contract. This means the price we agree on is the price you will pay, with no hidden surprises. The only way the price can change is if you decide to make a change to the plan or selections, which is handled through a formal variation process.

Do you help with the design and planning stage?
Yes. If you’re starting with a blank slate, we can guide you through the entire design process. We partner with talented local building designers and draftsmen to help you create a custom home plan from scratch, tailored perfectly to your family’s needs.
What is the estimated cost per square metre to build a custom home in Warwick?
This is a common question, but a “one-size-fits-all” square metre rate can be misleading for a custom home. The final cost is influenced by the complexity of the design, the slope of the land, and the level of finishes you choose. We can provide an accurate, itemised quote once we have your finalised building plans.
How do you handle potential cost overruns or variations to the contract?
Our fixed-price contract is designed to prevent unexpected cost overruns. If you decide you want to make a change during the build (a variation), we have a simple process. We price the change for you, and you must approve and sign the variation document before any work commences. This ensures you are always in control of the budget.
What are the deposit and payment terms?
We follow the standard QBCC payment schedule. An initial deposit is required to cover preliminary works like soil tests and plans. Once construction starts, we issue progress claims at the completion of key stages, such as ‘Slab Down’, ‘Frame Stage’, ‘Enclosed Stage’, and ‘Fixing Stage’. The full schedule of payments will be clearly detailed in your building contract.
Do you offer help with financing or recommend a lender?
While we don’t offer finance directly, we have strong relationships with several local mortgage brokers in Warwick who specialise in construction loans. They understand the building process and can be a great help to our clients, so we are more than happy to provide a recommendation.

After the Build & Warranty

Our commitment to you doesn’t end when we hand over the keys.
What kind of warranty or after-build service do you provide?
Your new home is protected by a statutory structural warranty for 6 years and 6 months, as mandated by the QBCC. In addition, we provide our own 12-month maintenance period. This means we will return after 12 months to rectify any minor issues that may have arisen as your new home settles, ensuring everything is perfect.

Have a Question We Didn't Answer?

We hope this has helped clarify the process of building your dream home in Warwick. If you’re ready to take the next step or have more specific questions about your project, we’d love to chat.